Richard Mennear

Aleksandar Mitrovic saw red after just 16 minutes as Newcastle United lost a fiery encounter with Arsenal 1-0.

Newcastle were on the backfoot for the majority of the Premier League game at St James’s Park after Mitrovic was given his marching orders for a studs up challenge on Francis Coquelin’s shin.

Referee Andre Marriner was at the centre of the controversy, with the West Midlands referee at one stage threatening to lose control - dishing out card after card to Newcastle players to the frustation of the home support.

Steve McClaren’s side defended well against Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal but the pressure eventually told seven minutes after the break.

A 52nd minute own goal from captain Fabricio Coloccini enough to separate the two sides.

The first big chance of the game came in the 9th minute, Hector Bellerin playing the ball cross to Theo Walcott, but Tim Krul made a good save to deny the England forward.

It was a frantic start, with Arsenal pressing the Newcastle defence from the off.

And the Gunners should have had a penalty 13 minutes in, Florian Thauvin - making his full Premier League debut - tripped Bellerin inside the area but Andre Marriner waved it away.

Then came the big talking point, Mitrovic given his marching orders after just 16 minutes for a studs up challenge on the shin of Francis Coquelin.

The colourful Serbian striker - who joined the club with a fiery reputation - had his head in his hands as he made his way off the pitch.

Newcastle reshuffled, with Thauvin the furthest forward.

It was a frantic pace and Newcastle were in danger of losing control, with Chancel Mbemba and Thauvin also booked, while Jack Colback was given several talkings to.

Arsenal were pressing and probing and should have taken the lead through Walcott, who missed a glorious chance after Krul saved Alexis Sanchez’s long-range effort.